Robert L. Hunton-Home

“I am forever in search of stories ‘my kids would enjoy reading.’ Never have I read such a gripping book. Gift of the Desert Dog left me breathless… nodding in awe.”

Penny Porter, author of Adobe Secrets, The Keymaker

To order Gift of the Desert Dog, click on an icon below:

A twelve year-old reservation boy, who feels lost and unwanted, makes a last valiant attempt to redeem himself in the eyes of his family and community. The danger and high adventure never stops for Danny Rivas and grandfather, Joseph, as they encounter ruthless drug smugglers, climb treacherous mountain passes, solve the mysteries of ancient petroglyphs, and come face-to-face with the powerful spirits of their people. It’s a quest to discover their roots, gain a glimpse into the tribe’s future, and find salvation together at the place where I’itoi, the first O’odham, walked Mother Earth.

Check here often and follow the link to the author’s blog site where you can leave a message for ‘Top Dog!’ He’ll respond to your questions and comments.

Robert L. Hunton is a long-time veteran of middle school hallways and classrooms, having taught social studies and language arts in the Colchester, Vermont school system. He is the author of The Borderlands Trilogy, a mystery adventure series for young readers set on the Tohono O’odham reservation of southern Arizona. He writes full time, has two sons living in Vermont, and now walks the desert around the adobe-style home he and his wife share near Tucson.

In the winter of 2007, while completing research for Gift of the Desert Dog, Hunton appeared with his manuscript before the Tohono O’odham tribal council in Sells, Arizona. He had requested the meeting to ask elders for permission to use O’odham symbols in his book. While he waited nervously before them, they deliberated on his request, conversing in tongue before finally addressing him in English. They would give him the permission he sought! They also thanked him for his respectful consideration of their traditions and customs; a gesture they had rarely experienced from outsiders. The elders were more interested in his use of ‘Coyote’ in the novel. They related the importance of the creation story among the O’odham, and Coyote’s pivotal role. Hunton listened to council suggestions and concerns, returning to the Gift manuscript to craft a scene in which Joseph teaches the creation story to Danny.